Everything you need to know about Panic Attacks: What it is, what it feels, and how to deal with it
Mariella Arceo
Sep 06, 2022
Do you feel like you're having a heart attack? Do you feel like you can't breathe? Are your chest muscles tight and sore? If so, then you may be experiencing a panic attack. A panic attack is a sudden feeling of terror that can last for minutes or hours. It's accompanied by physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness. In this blog post, we will discuss what panic attacks are, what they feel like, and how to deal with them.
What are panic attacks?
A panic attack is an unexpected and brief episode of intense anxiety, which causes the physical sensations of intense fear. These can include a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling and muscle tension. A panic attack may last from a few minutes to half an hour; however, the physical and emotional effects can sometimes last for several hours afterwards.
If left untreated by a mental health professional, panic attacks can be debilitating and can easily take control of everyday life, threatening social relationships as one may avoid situations that they feel might trigger panic attacks.
It's been said that panic attacks are a result of the body activating its fight or flight response. This response body releases hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which increase heart rate and blood pressure. This response prepares the body for physical action, either to fight the impending doom or to flee from it.
What do panic attacks typically feel like?
Panic attacks are feelings of extreme anxiety. While panic attacks can vary in intensity, they share some common symptoms. The symptoms are not dangerous but can be frightening and overwhelming. The symptoms of panic attacks can include shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, sweating, trembling or shaking, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, nausea or stomach pain and feeling detached from reality or like you're going crazy.
Panic attacks can last somewhere between 5 to 20 minutes.
How can I handle panic attacks?
It is important to realize that panic attacks are caused by overwhelming anxiety and are not an indicator of an actual harm happening. It is helpful to always be reminded that panic attacks will pass and are not life threatening.
"Riding the wave" of the panic attack than finding a distraction is helpful as it gives the opportunity to face the fear and see that their is no immediate harm. As the anxiety begins to lessen, focus on your surroundings and continue to perform the same activities that you were undertaking before.
During unexpected panic attacks, it can also be helpful to have someone you trust with you to reassure that everything is alright and that the symptoms of panic disorder will pass.
Deep breathing exercises can also help to ease the symptoms. Closing your eyes while slowly inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth may help you feel better in a few minutes. Counting steadily is a technique used by some that can be of help as well.
Is it panic disorder?
If you're constantly stressed and worried about the next panic attack, you may be experiencing panic disorder. This anticipatory anxiety may compel you to avoid situations that you feel may cause panic attacks.
There are no quick fixes to panic disorder but treatment can be helpful in managing its debilitating symptoms. Contact your GP if you are experiencing symptoms of panic disorder. Medical advice is always helpful to rule out other possible conditions and manage symptoms.
In conclusion, knowing information on panic attacks and panic disorder symptoms can be helpful to lessen the debilitating effects it has on one's life. By being informed and seeking proper treatment, it becomes possible to manage panic attacks and its effects. Now, future attacks do not have to be the center of your life.Â
If you or anyone you know is dealing with panic attacks or panic disorder, do not hesitate to reach out to Mosaic Mind Counseling to get connected with our therapists. Mosaic Minds Counseling cares.